Friends of Simon Hart

Video Presentation and transcript of Remembering Simon Hart – A Loving Son, Brother, and Friend

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for being here today. My name is Ted Hart, and I’m Simon Hart’s father. Today, I want to share the story of my son, Simon, who left us far too soon in 2022 due to diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, from undiagnosed Type 1 diabetes. But this isn’t just about his loss, it’s about the joy, love, and light he brought to me, his family, and everyone who knew him. Simon was the kind of young man who gave the best hugs—those warm, genuine embraces that made you feel truly seen and cared for. Imagine wrapping your arms around a son like that; that’s the Simon I want you to meet today. He was talented in so many ways, but what made him special was his heart. Let’s walk through his life together, so you can see why he felt like family to so many.

Simon grew up with a spark for life that shone through everything he did. At Cedar Ridge High School, he threw himself into academics, arts, sports, and community service with a quiet determination. He graduated summa cum laude, earning honor cords as a member of the National Honor Society and the Tri-M Music Honor Society. He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping build homes for those in need, and even earned recognition for his videography, creating short documentaries, music videos, and more. After high school, Simon headed to UNC Charlotte to pursue Mechanical Engineering with a minor in math. Thanks to dual enrollment classes at Durham Technical Community College—chemistry, economics, and psychology, he entered college as a second-semester freshman. Picture your own child, or maybe yourself at that age, eager to learn and explore. That was Simon, always pushing forward, not for praise, but because he loved the journey.

Academically, Simon shone brightly, but never boastfully. At UNC Charlotte, he made the Chancellor’s List every semester with a perfect 4.0 GPA in a rigorous field. He was invited to join the Tau Beta Pi Honor Society as a sophomore and was often asked to be a teaching assistant, though his heavy schedule meant he had to decline. His high school math teacher captured him perfectly in a college recommendation letter, saying, “Simon is a very bright young man with an exceptional work ethic... He is always willing to ask questions as well as help others... He appreciates a challenge and works persistently until he understands all facets of the problem.” It wasn’t just about grades for Simon—it was about truly understanding and lifting those around him. His dedication was so profound that UNC Charlotte awarded him his Mechanical Engineering degree posthumously. He reminds us of the sons and daughters who quietly excel, not for acclaim, but because they love learning and helping others.

Simon’s creativity was another gift he shared generously. He played tenor saxophone in his high school concert band, jazz band, and marching band, rising to woodwind captain in his senior year. He earned awards and a place in Tri-M, but what mattered most were the friendships he built—helping at fundraisers, playing solos, or manning concession stands at UNC games. At his vigil, a fellow musician honored him by playing “Amazing Grace” on saxophone. Inspired by Simon, his bandmates formed an alumni band and dedicated a performance of “At Morning’s First Light” to him. Beyond music, Simon’s creativity sparked in forging knives from scrap metal like railroad spikes. Self-taught, he loved the “quench” moment when steel became a useful tool. We’d watch Forged in Fire together, cheering as blades were dipped in oil. He welded farm equipment for me and created with his 3D printer, the hum of it filling our home. Simon’s art wasn’t solitary; it was about sharing beauty and utility. Think of him as the creative soul in your family, always making something special for others.

Athletically, Simon’s energy was boundless. He played varsity tennis and founded the Cedar Ridge Ultimate Frisbee team, leading practices with enthusiasm. Under the guidance of his high school science teacher, a world champion archer, he joined the Wolf Ridge Archery Club and later the UNCC Archery Club, where he coached others. Today, we honor him with the Annual Simon Hart Memorial Archery Tournament. Simon surfed oceans, skied snowy slopes, and hiked peaks from Dragon’s Tooth in Virginia to Yosemite. He piloted drones, geocached, and metal detected on beaches. One unforgettable moment was watching the 2017 solar eclipse together in South Carolina. Our last summer together, we hiked Cadillac Mountain in Maine, Mount Washington in New Hampshire, and Mount Mansfield in Vermont, camping and talking by campfires he started with a flint. As we finished, he turned to me and said, “Dad, this was the best trip ever.” We were planning the Grand Canyon next. Simon’s energy was infectious—like the adventurous son who drags you on hikes and makes every moment count.

At his core, Simon was love and kindness. He never said a bad word about anyone, was there during rough patches, and had a great sense of humor. He was easy to be with, reliable, and always the last to leave events, ensuring everyone was safe. He adored his sister Allegra, his best friend. They co-starred in a local horror movie, The Welder, and dreamed of competing on The Amazing Race. Simon loved simple things—finding crystals in our stream, and spending time at home with us. I once described him as a “terrific kid” who “wanted to spend time with his parents” and had “so much potential.” And those hugs? They were legendary—full of love that made you feel cherished. Imagine Simon as your son, wrapping you in one after a long day. He was the young man we’d all cherish—loving, adventurous, and full of light.

Losing Simon to DKA was a devastating life-changing pain no parent or sibling should endure. Subtle signs like thirst and frequent urination were overlooked, mistaken for his active lifestyle. In his memory, we founded Friends of Simon Hart to raise DKA awareness. We’re working to gather funds for a scholarship at UNC Charlotte, and host state-wide events. If he’d known the signs, he might be here today. I invite you to visit friendsofsimonhart.org to learn more and share with your loved ones. Let’s honor Simon by saving others. Losing him felt like losing a piece of the world but remembering him reminds us how one young man’s light can inspire us all.

Simon accomplished so much—not for glory, but because he loved life, learning, and people. From his hugs to his hikes, he was a wonderful, cherished son. I hope today, you’ve felt like Simon could be your son too—the one who hugs tight, helps without asking, and leaves the world brighter. Though we miss him every day, his spirit lives on in our stories and actions. Thank you for remembering Simon with me.

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